Announcement blew Administration's cover

The recent pronouncements of businessman and political analyst Tony Gatmaitan is making Malacañang uneasy and it's seriously checking it's so-called "coaltion ship" to see if it has holes, leaks, or damages before it sets sail for the biggest test in its political life.

Gabriel Claudio, presidential political adviser, said that there is no truth to the news that Mr. Gatmaitan announced recently that revealed some of the Vice President's plans. The deal is done with Mr. de Castro according to Mr. Claudio and even revealed that no less than Pres. Arroyo will preside in a merger conference between the ruling Lakas party and the Kampi (Partner of the Free People) later this month. This will eventually pave the way in announcing who the Administration's standard bearer is for the 2010 General Elections.

It's funny to see how the government reacted with the announcement and belie Mr. Gatmaitan's claim, "Kuwentong Barbero," the political adviser said. However, I see it differently. Here are some points I saw after reading the article:

1. Malacañang virtually dropped Sec. Teodoro, Sec. Fernando, and Sec. Puno for the contention and installed Mr. de Castro as the palace's top bet.

2. That Mr. de Castro would rather run under the Administration ticket than with another political party. Says who? Who is more of an asset? Mr. de Castro right?

3. That Mr. de Castro's clean public image and 'masa' appeal will help the government make the elecotrate forget about the corruption charges leveled against them by different public and private sectors. That idea is fiction.

What does this all mean? Mr. Claudio basically blew the administration's cover and now the plans are made known to the opposition and even Mr. de Castro himself. It showed Mr. de Castro's true worth in the eyes of the present administration. He can now use this to his benefit. Now, the tables are turned and Mr. de Castro has the aces he needs to be the standard bearer of the administration's party, his party, or even make his political party as the third force in making sure he gets to call the shots too.

Whoever hatched this plan is a genius and Malacañang fell for the trap.


Thank you footnotes:
Photo by: PIA